Before the invention of toasters, people used various methods to make toast, relying on more traditional cooking tools and techniques. Here are a few common ways people made toast before toasters became widely available:
Fireplace or Hearth Toasting: In ancient times and even up until the 19th century, people often made toast by placing a slice of bread on a long-handled fork or a metal or wooden toasting fork. They would then hold the bread slice close to an open flame in a fireplace or hearth until it turned golden brown or toasted to their liking. This method required careful attention to prevent the bread from burning.
Stovetop Toasting: As stoves became more common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, people started using the stovetop to toast bread. They would place a skillet or griddle on the stovetop and heat it up. Once hot, they would butter one or both sides of the bread and place it on the heated surface to toast.
Oven Toasting: Before the advent of toasters, people would also use their ovens to make toast. They would place slices of bread directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and let them toast under the oven's broiler or on a high temperature setting. This method allowed for toasting larger quantities of bread at once.
Toaster Fork: Before dedicated toasters were popularized, some households had a device called a "toaster fork" or "toaster screen." It was a hinged wire frame that held the bread slices and allowed them to be held over an open flame or placed on a stovetop for toasting.
Camping or Campfire Toasting: When outdoors or during camping trips, people would use long sticks or toasting forks to toast bread over a campfire.
It's important to note that while these methods were effective, they required more attention and skill to achieve consistent toasting results compared to modern toasters. The invention of electric toasters in the early 20th century revolutionized the toasting process, providing a more convenient and efficient way to make toast.